John Lomas

Mansfield Town boss Adam Murray praised ex-Stag Sam Clucas for reaching the Premier League with Hull City next season and held the winger up as a shining example to the club’s current crop of talented youngsters.

Stags landed a young Clucas from Hereford United and saw him blossom before he moved on to Chesterfield and then Hull.

“He had done well, considering he was on the bench for us a few years ago,” said Murray. “Fair play to him. He’s always had that in his locker.

“He’s always had ability and a drive as an individual to push on and deserves everything he gets.

“There are that many doors that open nowadays for young kids. We’ve got a few here now that are of a very high standard.”

Murray added: “We will be a young group again next year. I think our average age last year was about 24. It was only the two OAPs in goal that take the age group up. But we like that. We like a young staff and a young playing squad.

I think it gives you a lot of energy and drive on the pitch, a lot of pace, and we’ll be the same again this year. We like the hunger to learn and get better.

“With these young kids. If they stick to their roles and want to learn the opportunities are there for them.”